The device, which is connected to a cell phone’s USB port, was tested with two of the most common and dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, AB-Chminaca and MDMB-4en-Pinaca. The results showed that the device is capable of detecting very low concentrations of these substances, making it a valuable tool in the fight against the illicit use of synthetic cannabinoids.
The sensor works by analyzing the chemical composition of the liquids or biological fluids and comparing it to a database of known synthetic cannabinoids. If a match is found, the device will alert the user, providing crucial information about the presence of dangerous substances.
This breakthrough technology could help authorities and healthcare professionals identify and prevent cases of synthetic cannabinoid use, especially in the context of electronic cigarettes. By detecting these substances early on, it is possible to intervene and provide support to individuals who may be at risk of harm.
The researchers behind this innovation are hopeful that their device will contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat the illicit use of synthetic cannabinoids and other harmful substances. With further development and testing, the sensor could become an essential tool in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who may be exposed to these dangerous chemicals.
In conclusion, the development of a portable sensor capable of detecting synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids represents a significant advancement in the field of substance abuse prevention. By providing a quick and reliable way to identify these dangerous substances, the device has the potential to save lives and protect public health. It is a promising step forward in the fight against synthetic cannabinoids and other illicit drugs, offering hope for a safer and healthier future. The development of a new electrochemical sensor for the identification of synthetic cannabinoids represents a significant breakthrough in the field of portable analytical devices. The device, described in a paper published in the journal Talanta, offers high selectivity and sensitivity in detecting different synthetic cannabinoid molecules.
The sensor, developed by Larissa Magalhães de Almeida Melo and Cecília Barroso, utilizes a boron-doped diamond electrode manufactured in collaboration with a group from the University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia. The electrode is connected to a portable potentiostat, which can be easily linked to a cell phone via USB-C or Bluetooth connection. The sensor provides a current-voltage graph with specific peaks that identify and quantify the substances present in a sample.
According to Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos, a professor at the Federal University of Vale do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri, the sensor combines the portability of printed sensors with the high stability of boron-doped diamond materials, making it a versatile and reusable tool for chemical analysis.
The sensor was tested with two common and dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, AB-Chminaca and MDMB-4en-Pinaca, demonstrating the ability to detect concentrations as low as 0.2 µM. The device showed excellent selectivity, even in the presence of high levels of nicotine and other interferences. This selectivity allows for precise identification of target substances, making it a valuable tool for forensic police and public health professionals.
In addition to forensic applications, the sensor can be used in public health settings to provide emergency care to individuals experiencing drug overdoses or other complications. The research group is partnering with the BACO Project to expand the use of the sensor for analyzing oral fluid samples at parties and festivals. This partnership aims to enable immediate screening of substances that partygoers intend to consume, enhancing harm reduction initiatives and promoting informed decision-making among drug users.
The rapid evolution of synthetic cannabinoids poses a significant challenge to public health and law enforcement agencies. The development of technologies like the electrochemical sensor described in the study is crucial for addressing this challenge and ensuring the safety of individuals who may be exposed to these potent and dangerous substances. By providing accurate and reliable detection of synthetic cannabinoids, the sensor offers a valuable tool for identifying and quantifying these substances in a variety of samples, ultimately contributing to efforts to combat drug abuse and protect public health.
